Siem Reap Travel – 9 top-rated attractions in Siem Reap Cambodia
Siem Reap is a city known not only for the beautiful ruins of Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument, but also for its countless works built in various colonial and unique east Asian styles.
- Must-visit places in Siem Reap
1.1. Explore the temples around Angkor Wat
The historic city of Siem Reap is located on the edges of Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most popular tourist sites. It was built between the 9th and 15th centuries by a succession of kings, contains hundreds of temples, and is so huge that even after numerous trips, you’ll feel like you’ve merely touched the surface. Angkor Wat, with its bas-reliefs etched with images from Hindu epics, is one of the most picturesque temples to visit.
This Siem Reap attraction is home to temples, historical sites, Tonle Sap lake and the most popular tourist attraction in Cambodia.
You will experience a bizarre and magical sacred space when you visit here. What’s more, you can see the sunrise at Angkor Wat. Also, keep in mind that when you visit this complex, you can visit the temples of Bayon, Baphuon, and Ta Prohm.
1.2. The River of a Thousand Lingas
The next Siem Reap tourist attraction to add to your itinerary is Kulen Mountain and the river of a thousand Lingas. This is a sacred site of the ancient Khmer people, renowned for relics related with legends. Therefore, visitors from all over the world wish to come here to pray for blessings.
1.3. Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap Lake, which is attached to Kampong Phluk floating village, is a very intriguing Siem Reap check-in attraction that you may visit straight away. The most chilling activity here is riding a boat around the lake, where you can completely appreciate the beauty of the poetic space.
You also remember to stop by the reserve of rare birds on your journey around the lake. You can also try renting a boat to explore all of the floating villages of Kampong Phluk, Chong Khneas, or Kompong Khleang to the fullest.
1.5. Phnom Kulen National Park
As an ancient and historical site considered by the locals to be the most sacred in Cambodia, Phnom Kulen National Park will be a remarkable spot to visit in Siem Reap. After traveling through the gorgeous scenery, you will reach a mountain peak. You can admire and pray to a massive reclining Buddha there.
1.6. Wat Damnak Pagoda
Under King Sisowath, Wat Damnak served as the royal palace. Until today, the pagoda has worked as a center for Khmer studies, with a library containing over 11,000 documents. Not only that, but this location is a popular tourist destination in Siem Reap due to the peaceful and pure atmosphere it provides.
1.7. Ta Prohm Temple
In honor of his mother, King Jayavarman VII built Ta Prohm in the mid-12th century. This is a big structure with architecture in the fashionable Bayon style of the time. Because of its splendor, the temple was chosen as a setting for the film “The Burrowers”, and it is now a must-see tourist attraction in Siem Reap.
1.8. Cambodian Cultural Village
If you want to know more about Cambodian traditions, customs, and beliefs, you should visit the Cambodian cultural village. It is home to thousands of valuable ancient statues and artifacts. Furthermore, if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see numerous intriguing events when you visit this Siem Reap tourist attraction.
1.9. Pub Street
If you are someone who enjoys nightlife, you can instantly head to Pub Street to rejuvenate your Siem Reap Travel. During the day, you can only enjoy coffee and cuisine; but, in the evening, you may unwind at bustling pubs and nightclubs. This makes Pub street become a hot place in Siem Reap that is visited by many domestic and foreign tourists.
1.10. Siem Reap Angkor Night Market
In addition to the bustling nightlife for energetic people, introverts can visit the Angkor Night Market. Coming here, you can buy traditional Khmer gifts for yourself and your loved ones, as well as eat wonderful and affordable street food. So, don’t forget to visit this Siem Reap tourist attraction.
- Siem Reap Travel Tips
2.1. Traveling to Siem Reap
The majority of travelers will arrive by plane in Siem Reap. Although flying is the fastest way to get there, visitors heading to Siem Reap from major hubs such as Phnom Penh and Bangkok can also take the bus.
This guide assumes you will arrive by plane or from a large hub such as Bangkok or Phnom Penh.
BY PLANE: Passengers arriving by plane will land at Siem Reap International Airport (REP). It’s roughly 9 kilometers northwest of downtown. Tourists can take a tuk tuk to the city center, but may also take a taxi or a van. The trip takes less than 30 minutes. Visitors can also make transportation arrangements at the airport.
BY BUS: If you’re on a tight budget, taking the bus to Siem Reap is a good option. It takes longer than a flight but is substantially less expensive. Backpackers from Bangkok or Phnom Penh will frequently go by bus.
2.2. Where to Stay in Siem Reap
There is no need to be concerned about a lack of quality accommodations in Siem Reap because the hotel, motel, and homestay systems are nearly everywhere. However, you must be concerned about running out of affordable rooms, so selecting and booking as soon as possible is still the best option.
2.3. The best time to visit Siem Reap Cambodia
The weather in Cambodia has quite distinct rainy and dry seasons. However, when the weather is cool and dry from November to May is the most suitable time to travel to Siem Reap. Or if you want to join the famous festival atmosphere in Cambodia, come at the following time:
– 13 – 15 April: Chol Chnam Thmay Festival – Traditional New Year;
– 13 – 15 April every year: Bom Chaul Chnam Water Festival;
– 24 – 26 November every year: Boating festival.
- Specialties not to be missed when traveling to Siem Reap Cambodia
If you do not know what to eat when coming to this city, you can refer to this Siem Reap travel guide for the complete journey to choose for yourself. Or right now you can pocket the following list of delicacies:
– Fried crickets with chili
– Nam Vang noodles soup – a clear and delicious soup made with pork bones, pork, dried squid and shrimp
– Fried ants with beef
– Fish amok
– Lam rice – rice in bamboo tube
– Tomyum Papaya Salad
– Nom banh chok fish curry noodles
– Jaggery beef cake – favorite dish of people in the Southwest Cambodia
– Jaggery tea
Above are some suggestions about the best Siem Reap tourist attractions that you must definitely visit once in your life if possible. With top-rated places and affordable cost, this will surely be a Siem Reap trip with many interesting experiences waiting for you.
So now are you planning to travel to Siem Reap, Cambodia? Be sure to check out the cambodia tour package of Threeland Travel. Or if you want to experience more, there are now Vietnam – Cambodia tours that are quite handy for tourists. Continue to follow Threeland Travel to stay up to date on the latest travel news.
All photos used in this post belong to @shutterstock.
